Why is Pheasant Branch Conservancy special?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a regionally significant natural area
located on the north side of Middleton, Wisconsin. It contains a
marsh with open water, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest,
and wooded hills. These various habitats sustain a wide variety of
plants and animals, including some that are threatened or
endangered.

Habitat for birds and other animals

Visitors often hear or see deer, herons, frogs, Sandhill Cranes,
ducks, geese, hawks, owls, and dozens of different species of song
birds. Although surrounded on three sides by urban development, the
conservancy provides a quiet refuge for bird-watchers and nature
enthusiasts. Its unique resources also offer an outdoor classroom
and laboratory for students of all ages.

Volunteers, City and County working together

The Dane County Parks Department, the City of Middleton and the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources each own a portion of the
conservancy, but this 550-acre natural area is managed as a single
unit by city and county staff with the help of volunteers. The Dane
County property at the northern end of the conservancy includes a
prominent hill with a group of Indians mounds and an observation
platform that overlooks the marsh. Southeast of the hill, another
observation platform allows visitors to view one of two large sets
of springs in the conservancy. Each day more than 2.6 million
gallons of fresh, clear water flow from these springs into the marsh
and Lake Mendota. The City of Middleton owns the larger, southern
portion of the conservancy that contains a large open marsh,
wetlands, lowland and upland forests, oak groves, restored prairie
parcels, and open fields.